Danvers Residents Face Near-Full Early Outdoor Water Ban Amid Drought

DANVERS, MA — Danvers residents face a nearly full outdoor water ban effective on Thursday because of the ongoing drought conditions on the North Shore.

The Level 5 water restrictions limit outdoor water use to lawns and gardens using hand-held hoses and cans only from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.

The town said the change in restrictions is due to the low flow of the Ipswich River and low water levels within the reservoir. With spring in full bloom, groundwater is being consumed by plants and trees, limiting the effect rain fall has on recharging the Middleton Pond.

Use of sprinklers and/or irrigation systems is not permitted, as well as swimming pool filling and washing of cars.

Violations of the Level 5 drought conditions result in a warning letter for the first offense with subsequent violations resulting in a $300 fine.

"We appreciate the cooperation of all residents during this period," town officials said.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)